Hi, my name is aformoy!

I suffered an acquired brain injury when I was 28, that was many years ago, I have suffered with depression, epilepsy, fatigue, memory problems to name but a few. I have been unable to work full time since my accident. 
I have, however, completed a teaching degree and was teaching students with learning and behavioural difficulties. I then moved away and so left my job.
I did apply for PIP, was granted the higher rate then reassessed and was told I didn’t qualify for anything, basically I said I had problems with certain things and the assessor decided I didn’t.  Made me feel very depressed and worthless. I was applying for at least 3 jobs a week, anything from a museum curator to a cleaner, didn’t even get an interview. Struggled financially, didn’t qualify for any benefits. 
Have now found a job, at last, as a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner. Going into Care homes and running gardening clubs for the residents, I don’t do many hours but it’s amazing how ones self esteem suddenly blossoms once again. It’s still difficult financially but I don’t worry quite as much.
My disability has changed my life, but I hope it has made me a better person, getting the right medication for depression has been a major breakthrough and feeling I’m doing my bit for the community has improved my mood.  I hated applying for benefits and the demeaning way it made me feel, as I’m sure so many disabled people experience. I could rant and rave about our benefit system, but I won’t. So that’s my story in a nutshell.